The protocol was passed with a parliamentary vote of 243 in favor, with just three votes against. Six deputies abstained.

Turkey had announced in June its intention to sign the accord, which was first agreed by world governments in 1997.

The government had postponed signing it for more than a decade, saying it needed to complete its industrial development first.

The Kyoto protocol requires signatory countries to reduce or stabilize their emissions of six "greenhouse" gases blamed for heating up the planet, the principal of which is carbon dioxide.

The protocol expires in 2012. On average it requires nations to reduce their emissions 5.2 percent below their 1990 level between 2008 and 2012. This would represent a 29 percent cut in overall emissions compared to levels expected by 2010.